'Le French May has been an incredible success the last 15 years, thanks to the support of Hong Kong people and the French community. The relationship between Hong Kong and France is very special. We are celebrating 160 years of French presence in Hong Kong. The French Consul has been here since 1858, so there is a long history and special friendship between us, and between France and China. By erecting the Eiffel Tower in Times Square, we are carrying out the message that the relationship between France and Hong Kong is sky-high'

French Consul-General Jean-Pierre Thebault (below) at Monday's Le French May unveiling of an 8-metre replica of the Paris monument